Treat Carpal Tunnel

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is compression of the median nerve usually in the wrist region. The median nerve starts in the neck, passes through the shoulder region, down the arm through the wrist to the hand and into the first three fingers. The tunnel is made up to 7 bones forming an archway, the roof, with a wide ligamentous band forming the floor. This is similar to an archer’s bow with a taut string. When the ligament, or string is relaxed, the tunnel collapses.

WHAT CAUSES CARPAL TUNNEL?

This syndrome has become more prevalent due to repetitive micro-trauma of the underside of the wrist. An example of micro-trauma would be improper position while typing or data processing for a prolonged period of time. Another example would be repetitive lifting with the wrist bent in an assembly line.

Your work or sport that requires the wrist to be in forward bent (flexion) or backward bent (extension) position can cause compressive pressure inside the wrist space to increase five or tenfold. Excessive muscular overuse may lead to hypertrophy of the muscle/tendon complex ion the wrist region or fibrous scarring of the tendons. One of the major indirect causes of CTS is weakness of the major wrist ligaments. This results in pressure of the median nerve.

CTS can also occur from a sprain to the wrist area causing the ligaments to stretch or tear. The 7 bones in the wrist then lose their natural arch thereby allowing the tunnel to collapse resulting in compression of the median nerve. Fractures of the wrist bones or forearm may also cause median nerve compression.

CHARACTERISTICS OF CARPAL TUNNEL

The most readily recognized signs are pain in the wrist and forearm region with numbness and tingling on the thumb side of the palm and first two fingers, which is worse at night. Frequently, it is worse during rest after work. Weakness of the thumb with grasping or pinching and weakness of grip in opening a jar is common. The thumb side of the palm is tender when deeply pressed or palpated. The symptoms temporarily improve with shaking or rubbing of the hand.

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME – DO I HAVE IT?

A simple test to see if there is median nerve involvement is to have someone try to pull apart the thumb and first finger while pinching the tips together.

If the fingers are weak you need to see your chiropractic physician to determine if you do, indeed have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Once you have been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it is time to seek professional help to combat the debilitating symptoms. Carpal tunnel treatments can range from gentle and non-invasive, to a surgical approach. Prior to taking a radical approach for your carpal tunnel treatment, visit Schilsky Chiropractic Center. Help is available through a chiropractor for carpal tunnel syndrome treatment. You can finally learn how to manage this debilitating syndrome in a natural way.